Refurbished mill bridge reopens

The footbridge originally took workers from Paisley to the Anchor Mill complex

A 19th Century Renfrewshire footbridge will be officially reopened on Friday after a £560,000 restoration.

Seedhill Footbridge, over the White Cart River, was constructed in the 1880s to link the people of Paisley with the Anchor Mill complex.

The bridge fell into disrepair in the years after World War II and was unused for decades.

It was removed by crane for restoration in 2006 and now sits slightly east of its original position.

The change was designed to minimise disruption to the mill site, which has been converted for residential and business use.

The bridge has also been raised by one metre above its original height to meet flood prevention rules.

During the 19th Century, the Anchor Mills complex was central to Paisley's position as an international player in the manufacturing of cotton thread.

In recent years it has been the subject of a major regeneration, including the £12m restoration of the A-listed domestic finishing mill.

The project has been led by a partnership between The Prince's Regeneration Trust, Renfrewshire Council, Historic Scotland and Morrisons supermarket, which now has a store on the site.

In pictures: Seedhill Footbridge

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The Prince's Regeneration Trust, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to complete the circle and re-open the Seedhill Footbridge, which has such a practical and sentimental place in the heart of the local community.

"Not only will it provide access to the stunning renovation project at Anchor Mills but it will represent the commitment, resilience, hard work and optimism of everyone involved in the regeneration of this unique and important site."

John Graham, chief executive of Historic Scotland, added: "This footbridge was crossed daily by hundreds of mill workers pouring over the bridge at the end of the shift.

"I am sure that there will be many people around the world who will join us in celebrating this unique part of history being returned to its former glory and continuing to remind us of the impact this town had on an entire industry."